We Are Passionate Historic Home and Building Restoration Contractors!

With over 20 years of expertise in historic home and building restoration, Thoughtful Craftsmen is dedicated to preserving the beauty and integrity of historic properties.

Specializing in wood restoration, we cater to both residential homes and commercial properties, meticulously restoring everything from windows and doors to intricate woodwork and custom wood storm windows.

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BBB
A+ Rated

Accoya Approved Manufacturer

Historic Association Certified

Serving Milwaukee Since 1998

Our Historic Home and Building Restoration Services

From restoring intricate woodwork to preserving original plasterwork and revitalizing historic floors, our interior projects respect each building’s unique character. We blend traditional craftsmanship with modern needs, creating interiors that honor your property’s heritage while providing beauty and functionality.

We have 20+ years of experience restoring old & historic homes.

Thoughtful Craftsmen has been working on the homes of the Eastside and near-North Shore since 1998, specializing in restoring wood siding, fixing original details, rebuilding porches and returning homes to their long-lost splendor.

We fell in love with the old homes of the area and their often-neglected details and connective tissue and decided to make this demanding sort of restoration our specialty!

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We bring the same dedication to detail and preservation to the interiors of historic homes as we do to the exteriors!

From restoring intricate woodwork to preserving original plasterwork and revitalizing historic floors, our interior projects respect each home’s unique character. We blend traditional craftsmanship with modern needs, creating interiors that honor your property’s heritage while providing beauty and functionality.

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Hear From Our Milwaukee Customers

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 42 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Debbie Mazius 
 
 
 
  The team did an excellent job from beginning to end! The work was done quickly and professionally. The quality of the work was excellent and beautiful! I highly recommend the Thoughtful Craftsman!
  
 
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   Karen Crocker 
 
 
 
  If you have an historic home and want new period appropriate storm windows the specialists at the Thoughtful Craftsmen are the people you need to contact. Their custom wooden storm windows are the perfect blend of historic accuracy and modern functionality. They match the original storms on our circa 1915 house and will help us keep her protected for years to come. We could not be more pleased.
  
 
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   Stephen Waclawski 
 
 
 
  We couldn't be more pleased with the work Thoughtful Craftsmen did on our 100-year-old arched, leaded glass windows. For years, the windows wouldn't close properly, and we were advised to replace them. Other companies turned us away due to their age and complexity, but Thoughtful Craftsmen took on the challenge and exceeded our expectations. They not only restored the windows to full functionality but also installed new hardware, ensuring they lock securely. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication to preserving the craftsmanship and charm of historic homes in the Milwaukee area. Highly recommend their services!
  
 
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   Scott Sherman 
 
 
 
  Fantastic, high quality service and the windows fit like  glove!
  
 
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   Tim Baack 
 
 
 
  We have a large historic home in Milwaukee. We have done several interior and exterior projects with Thoughtful Craftsmen and are very happy with their work. Jake, our primary contact, knows his stuff, gives good advice, and is always responsive when we reach out. We highly recommend him and the company.
  
 
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   David Boudreau 
 
 
 
  Joe came out and was super friendly and human! Gave me options and neighborly advice!  Definitely recommend!
  
 
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   Asher Jackson 
 
 
 
  Incredibly kind people who genuinely are trying to help others restore and maintain the beauty and history of their homes. Three of their staff, including their CEO, took the time to personally put me through an individual class on window restoration, and provided me with a starter kit, for what amounted to very likely the cost of the materials. They are obviously in this because they love their craft and helping others. These are the kind of people you want to entrust with your home. Their heart is in it.

What types of buildings does Thoughtful Craftsmen work on?
Thoughtful Craftsmen provides building restoration services for both historic buildings and non-historic properties. We work on everything from historic landmarks and properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places to newer homes and commercial structures. Our focus is always on high-quality craftsmanship and long-term performance.
What is the difference between restoration and renovation?
Restoration focuses on preserving and repairing original materials, especially in old buildings and historic places. Renovation often involves updating or replacing elements to improve functionality or appearance. Our approach prioritizes restoration when possible, while incorporating renovation where it supports long-term durability and performance.
Do you offer window restoration, or should I install a new window?
In many cases, historic windows and original wood windows can be restored rather than replaced. Window restoration improves functionality, preserves craftsmanship, and extends lifespan. While some situations call for a new window, we evaluate each project carefully and recommend the best long-term solution.
What makes your company different from a typical general contractor?
Thoughtful Craftsmen focuses on detailed restoration projects that require specialized knowledge of historic building materials, woodworking, and traditional methods. Much of our work is completed in-house by skilled tradespeople, ensuring a consistent level of craftsmanship across every project.
What services do you offer?
We provide a range of restoration services for residential and commercial properties, including window restoration, carpentry, millwork, roofing, and masonry repair, such as tuckpointing. Each project is approached with a focus on durability, proper materials, and long-term functionality.
Do you handle historic preservation requirements or tax credits?
Yes. We have experience working on preservation projects involving historic properties, including those connected to preservationists and organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Some projects may qualify for tax credit programs depending on the property and scope of work. We recommend confirming eligibility with a qualified advisor or local authority.

Ready to restore your historic property?

Serving the greater Milwaukee area since 1998. Let's talk about your project.

Get Started Today (414) 963-1901

We Are Passionate Historic Home and Building Restoration Contractors!

Our Historic Home and Building Restoration Services

Window Restoration & Tuning

Porches & Rails

Roofing & Cedar Shake

Interior & Exterior Painting

Storm Windows

Exterior Restoration

We have 20+ years of experience restoring old & historic homes.

We bring the same dedication to detail and preservation to the interiors of historic homes as we do to the exteriors!

Hear From Our Milwaukee Customers

What types of buildings does Thoughtful Craftsmen work on?

What is the difference between restoration and renovation?

Do you offer window restoration, or should I install a new window?

What makes your company different from a typical general contractor?

What services do you offer?

Do you handle historic preservation requirements or tax credits?

Ready to restore your historic property?